In addition, Baron Corbin won the Intercontinental Championship from Dean Ambrose at Wrestlemania and successfully defended it on April 4. Therefore the title remains on Smackdown. Shinsuke Nakamura and Tye Dillinger debuted on April 4 as in real life. Bray Wyatt challenged Randy Orton to a Steel Cage match for the WWE title, and AJ and Shane had a promo where AJ claimed he had a lot of fun in their Mania match, but Shane turned down a rematch, instead claiming he'd get a more fun opponent for Styles in the Superstar Shakeup.

In contrast to my WCW game, since this is one show per week (and I currently only want it to go until Summerslam), I will be posting EVERY SHOW! (kill me)

Opening SegmentAJ Styles calls out Shame McMahon, wanting to know who Shane had gotten in the Superstar Shakeup as a "new, more fun opponent" for him. Shane and Daniel Bryan come out and tell AJ to be patient, his surprise will be later in the show. Instead, they introduce the first new member of Smackdown Live, Sami Zayn! He'll be competing right now, as will several of the new arrivals.80% Rating

Singles MatchIntercontinental Champion Baron Corbin def. Sami Zayn (8:43)After the match, Corbin continues to attack Zayn, laying him out with the End of Days75% Rating

SegmentBackstage, Shinsuke Nakamura and Tye Dillinger congratulate each other on successful debuts last week. Dolph Ziggler comes up and admonishes Nakamura for debuting in the way he did, saying The Miz is pissed that he was upstaged like that. Dolph says he also doesn't like the spotlight being taken away from him, and challenges Nakamura to a match tonight. Shinsuke accepts.76% Rating

[The announcers hype up Nakamura/Ziggler and Orton/Wyatt later tonight]

Tag Team MatchCesaro and Sheamus def. The Ascension (5:53)76% Rating

SegmentCesaro and Sheamus are interviewed following their victory, but before they can say anything of note, they are interrupted by The Usos, who waste no time in telling them that the Smackdown tag division belongs to them. They shove their belts in the newcomers' faces and leave, as Cesaro and Sheamus look pissed.72% Rating

SegmentNaomi comes to the ring and begins to talk about the future of her second Women's Title reign, but is quickly interrupted by Alexa Bliss, claiming her loss in their title rematch last week was a fluke and demanding another title shot. Naomi tells her to get in the back of the line, as there's some new challengers that are hungry for the gold. Alexa asks who she's talking about, and is answered by the music of Charlotte Flair, who comes down to the ring and very formally asks Naomi for a title match next week, which is accepted. Alexa is furious.72% Rating

[A video plays showing Lana dancing in a chair]

Singles MatchShinsuke Nakamura def. Dolph Ziggler (11:58)After the match, The Miz runs in from the crowd and hits Nakamura with a Skull Crushing Finale from behind before putting the boots to him.80% Rating

SegmentBray Wyatt is in a dimly lit room. He says the Wyatt family has had nearly everything taken from them, but even the tiniest flame can still grow back. He says that the Wyatts are going to begin taking things from Randy Orton and the traitor, Luke Harper, starting with taking back the WWE Championship...and a generous blood sample.84% Rating

SegmentAJ Styles comes back out to the ring. He claims Shane was bluffing. None of the new Superstars match up to the Phenomenal One. However, he is interrupted by the music of the final debut of the night, Seth Rollins. Seth tells AJ he plans to be the architect of a bright future on Smackdown Live, but AJ isn't impressed. He asks Shane if he thinks Seth is some kind of savior after he beat Shane's brother-in-law. He calls Seth a failed project with a bum knee and says the fans don't really like him because they can't trust him. Seth says he's ok with fans taking a while to warm up to him, and since people cheer a jackass like Styles, he's sure his past sins will be forgiven. AJ gets irritated and tells Seth that he may have slain a washed-up old king, but he'll never be the Face that Runs the Place. Seth gets pissed and attacks Styles, and they brawl for a while before being broken up by security.92% Rating

WWE Championship | Steel Cage MatchRandy Orton (c) def. Bray Wyatt (13:26)Halfway through the match, Erick Rowan comes down with bolt cutters and unlocks the door, but before he can enter, Luke Harper makes the save and starts brawling with him. Randy eventually escapes the cage, and ends up brawling with Rowan as Wyatt ends up attacking Harper. The show ends with the brawl spilling into the crowd.88% Rating

Show Rating: 78%Viewership: 3,045,000

Last edited by TJ Ω on Wed May 24, 2017 4:14 pm; edited 1 time in total

Opening SegmentSeth Rollins comes to the ring. He asks AJ Styles to come out so they can continue their fight. He's answered by Dolph Ziggler instead. Just like last week with Nakamura, Dolph is angry that some newcomer is taking his spotlight, and wants to teach Rollins a lesson. As Seth is reminding him that he lost to Nakamura last week, Styles comes out. He thanks Dolph for attempting to deal with "this pest", but says he can fight his battles himself. AJ says Rollins isn't worthy to fight the Face that Runs the Place, but Daniel Bryan's music hits and he comes out to say he disagrees. Channeling his inner Teddy Long, Bryan makes a tag team match for tonight: Ziggler and Styles vs Rollins and Nakamura.79% Rating

Singles MatchBecky Lynch def. Emma (10:14)After the match, Becky extends her hand for a handshake, but Emma refuses and leaves in a huff74% Rating

SegmentThe Miz is backstage. He says he's already sick of people calling Shinsuke Nakamura an "Artist". He says Nakamura is just a gloryhog that stole the spotlight of Smackdown's true artist two weeks ago. He says Nakamura is all entrance and no substance, and he expects that to be proven in the tag match tonight, so he's going to get a front row seat to watch.79% Rating

Singles MatchLuke Harper def. Erick Rowan [w/Bray Wyatt] (7:20)Bray attempts to interfere, trying to distract Harper, but Luke avoids Rowan's attack from behind, sending him into Wyatt before hitting the Discus Clothesline for the win.After the match, Wyatt and Rowan begin to beat Harper down, but Randy Orton hits the ring and RKOs both of them. Harper reluctantly extends a hand to Orton, but Randy RKOs him as well and leaves.72% Rating

SegmentBaron Corbin comes to the ring. He says he's not impressed by the Superstar Shakeup, and that none of the new arrivals can beat him. Sami Zayn comes out and is angry at Corbin for attacking him after their match last week. He challenges him to an Intercontinental title match so he can get revenge, but Corbin refuses, saying he already beat Sami and has nothing to prove. Sami calls Corbin a coward, and Corbin hits him with the title belt before laying him out again with a Deep Six.71% Rating

SegmentRenee Young catches up with Randy Orton, asking him why he RKOed Luke Harper. Randy says he and Harper never got along, and it would be a farce to try to pretend to do so now. He doesn't like Harper, and he only came down to the ring because he hated Wyatt more. He says a viper works alone, and all he needs is the WWE Championship.80% Rating

Tag Team Match | The Usos on commentaryBreezango def. American Alpha (5:50)The Usos interfere and cost AA the victory, but Cesaro and Sheamus run in to make the save from the impending 4-on-2 assault.76% Rating

SegmentBaron Corbin is leaving the arena, but he's stopped by Apollo Crews. Crews asks why Corbin attacked Sami Zayn tonight. Corbin says it's none of his business. Apollo calls Corbin a bully, and that he doesn't deserve to be the Intercontinental Champion. Baron gets in his face, saying the only thing that determines worthiness is beating your opponents, and that he can try to take it from him any time. Crews says that's good with him, and Corbin leaves.74% Rating

[Lana's video plays again]

Smackdown Women's ChampionshipNaomi (c) vs Charlotte Flair goes to a no contest (3:25)Before the match can go anywhere, Alexa Bliss runs in and attacks both women. However, her size disadvantage quickly gets the better of her, as Charlotte and Naomi regroup and end up sending her packing.70% Rating

SegmentDolph Ziggler is warming up backstage, grumbling about how all these NXT guys are taking over his show. He starts loudly bashing NXT, which draws the attention of Tye Dillinger. Tye tells Ziggler not to underestimate NXT, and calls Rollins and Nakamura two of the best in the world, after the Perfect 10, of course. Ziggler ignores him and calls NXT a bunch of kids in over their heads, and says he's gonna prove that tonight before leaving.

Tag Team Match | The Miz and Maryse on commentaryAJ Styles and Dolph Ziggler def. Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura (16:09)Miz and Nakamura end up getting into it during the match, and Miz eventually interferes, taking Shinsuke out of the match and allowing Styles to get the pin on Rollins.84% Rating

On the 4/18 episode of Talking Smack, Seth Rollins asked for a match against The Miz, and it was granted by Daniel Bryan.

Smackdown LiveApril 25, 2017

Opening SegmentLuke Harper comes to the ring and calls out Randy Orton, angry that Orton attacked him last week after saving him. He asks for a WWE Championship match. Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon come out and tell him he doesn't need to ask; after the events of last week, they decided that the best main event for Backlash would be Orton vs Harper for the title. Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan come out and protest, telling them that the title doesn't belong around the waist of a traitor. Shane tells Bray he's already had a chance to win the title back, but since the fans want to see Wyatt and Harper fight, he gives Bray one more chance, if he beats Harper tonight, they'll make it a Triple Threat match. Orton comes out and announces that he accepts Harper's challenge, and as for Wyatt, the more the merrier.82% Rating

SegmentTye Dillinger is backstage. Dolph Ziggler walks up and asks if he watched the main event last week. He says he proved that Rollins and Nakamura were all talk. Tye says Dolph is full of it. What he saw is Dolph get beaten down by Rollins and Nakamura, and then Miz help Styles win the match. He says Dolph's the one that's all talk, and challenges him to a one-on-one match against an NXT product tonight. Ziggler accepts.68% Rating

[Lana's video plays again. This time, a pair of eyes staring into the camera flash subliminally for a few frames a couple times throughout the video.]

SegmentEmma comes down to the ring. She calls out Becky Lynch, challenging her to a rematch from last week. She says she had an off-day, and that the only way to make Smackdown all about her is to make up for all of her mistakes. Becky comes out and says that Emma didn't seem like she had an off night, but she'll humor her anyway.77% Rating

SegmentSeth Rollins is interviewed by Renee Young. He says that the fans want to see his match with AJ Styles, but that'll have to wait. He didn't have any beef with The Miz, but Miz created beef by costing him the tag match last week. He says tonight will be the final skirmish before the war.82% Rating

Singles MatchBray Wyatt [w/Erick Rowan] def. Luke Harper (9:15)Rowan interferes to help Wyatt win.After the match, Wyatt hits a second Sister Abigail, then the lights go out. When they come back on, several clay pots filled with maggots are laying in an outline around Harper.88% Rating

SegmentCharlotte Flair comes out to the ring. She says she's slightly disappointed in Smackdown Live so far. She can't have a title match without a spoiled crybaby ruining the match. Alexa Bliss comes out and says Charlotte's one to talk, as she's done the same on Raw for months. Charlotte asks Alexa what she wants, and Alexa says she wants to see Charlotte out of the title picture, challenging her to a #1 contender's match next week. Charlotte accepts. Alexa says that next week we'll all see who the true queen of Smackdown is. Charlotte says everyone except Alexa already knows who that is.76% Rating

SegmentApollo Crews and Sami Zayn are backstage. Sami thanks Apollo for standing up to Baron Corbin last week, but worries that he's gaining a reputation as someone who can't stand up for himself. Crews tells him not to worry about that, and as long as Sami lets his work in the ring do the talking, people will start taking him seriously eventually. Sami says he supposes that means he'll have to have a match with Crews to determine who faces Corbin for the IC title. At that point, Daniel Bryan walks by and tells them they don't have to worry about is; there will be a Fatal 4-Way Elimination #1 Contender's match next week, and they'll both be in it.75% Rating

Singles MatchSeth Rollins def. The Miz [w/Maryse] (14:01)Interference by Maryse leads to a ref bump, during which AJ Styles runs in and attacks Rollins. However, Shinsuke Nakamura runs in to drive him off, allowing Rollins to win.84% Rating

Cesaro and Sheamus were guests on Talking Smack last week, and Breezango challenged them to a #1 contender's match this week.

Smackdown LiveMay 2, 2017

Opening SegmentShane McMahon comes down to the ring. He says they have a huge show planned for tonight. Not only will there be three(!) #1 contender's matches, he also announces that AJ Styles and Seth Rollins will have their long-awaited 1-on-1 match at Backlash, and that tonight's show will end with a contract signing for that match. Randy Orton comes out. He asks why this contract signing is being made such a big deal out of when he signed the contract for the world title match over the weekend in secret. Shane says he doesn't trust Bray Wyatt to be professional in that sort of formal situation. Randy gets a chuckle out of that, but says having a contract signing for Styles/Rollins is like having a contract signing for something meaningless like the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. On cue, Mojo Rawley comes out. He says the ARMBAR might not mean anything to Orton, but it means the world to Rawley. He tries to leverage his victory in said match into a match with Orton, and before Randy can respond, Shane says that's a great idea, and makes a non-title match for right now.80% Rating

SegmentLuke Harper is backstage. He says that Bray and Erick tried to play mind games with him last week. To someone who used to be in the Wyatt Family, mind games mean nothing. He says he's seen it all, and that it won't scare him. He says he knows Bray better than anyone, and one way or the other, he'll be Bray's downfall at Backlash.75% Rating

SegmentEmma comes out to the ring. She says that she proved last week that she can overcome adversity, and that makes her the best. She says that it doesn't matter who wins the #1 contender's match tonight - after Backlash, she's coming for the title, and she will win. Becky Lynch comes out. She tells her something just doesn't add up. Emma beat Becky once, and Becky beat Emma once. That means they're tied, and she works some sort of pun into informing her of this. She challenges Emma to a rubber match next week, to finally settle the score. Emma is a little hesitant, but eventually listens to reason and accepts, saying that more obstacles to overcome is only a good thing.78% Rating

Smackdown Tag Team Titles #1 Contender's MatchCesaro and Sheamus def. Breezango (11:08)After the match, The Usos run in to attack the winners, but Cesaro and Sheamus are ready for them and drive the champions off78% Rating

[Lana's video plays again. This time, the eyes appear for a bit longer, and it's clear that they are Rusev's eyes. The video ends with him staring daggers into the camera.]

SegmentThe Miz come down with Maryse for another edition of MizTV. Miz introduces his guest, "Shinsuke Nakamura". An impostor comes down to the ring. Miz thanks him for putting their differences aside to agree to this interview, and claims he will try to be professional. He asks the fake about his supposed "art", and what it entails. The fake starts by claiming his art consists of beating his opponents in the ring, but ends up going on some sort of incomprehensible tangent and ends up rambling on in Japanese while Miz tries to control his amusement. Eventually, Miz gets distracted at something about the imposter, and removes the wig from him, revealing him to be Funaki. The real Nakamura's music hits, and he comes down to the ring. Miz calls him a fraud. Nakamura goes to say something, but decides against it and goes to attack Miz. Maryse steps between the two, so Nakamura hits a Kinshasa on Funaki instead. He picks up a mic and challenges Miz to a match at Backlash, leaving before he can respond.79% Rating

SegmentRenee Young attempts to interview Baron Corbin about the #1 contender's match tonight. He blows her off and says he's going to the ring to observe it. He'll share his thoughts there.67% Rating

SegmentLuke Harper is about to leave the arena, but he is attacked by Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan, who take him all around the loading dock and beat him down. Wyatt asks Harper "Are you scared now?" throughout the beating, and he ends it by hitting Sister Abigail on the hood of a car.77% Rating

Closing SegmentThe ring is set up for a contract signing, Seth Rollins comes down to the ring and starts talking about how much the fans have wanted to see this match. He says he's looking forward to deciding who the best wrestler on Smackdown Live really is before signing the contract. AJ Styles comes out. He says the only thing the fans want to see is the Face that Runs the Place. He says that if Rollins wants to know who the best wrestler on Smackdown is there's no point in signing the contract, because Seth can't hold a candle to him. He says the reason this match was made was so he can have fun, and if Rollins is mistaken about the purpose of the match, he can't sign the contract. Seth asks AJ if he's chickening out because he's afraid of losing. AJ laughs it off, but Seth assures him the match will be very fun, at least until he gets kneed in the face. AJ gets irritated and grabs the contract, saying he has to teach Rollins a lesson at Backlash before signing. Rollins extends his hand, and Styles looks at it very suspiciously while reaching out to shake...before kicking him in the nads. He goes for a Styles Clash, but it's countered by Rollins, who tries to hit a Kingslayer, but AJ re-counters into a Drop Toe Hold into the table, knocking him silly. AJ sets him up on the table and hits a Springboard 450 through it, standing tall to end the show.89% Rating

Opening SegmentShane McMahon comes to the ring. He says Daniel Bryan has gone on Paternity Leave since Brie's having her baby. He goes on to say that AJ Styles and Seth Rollins need to be kept separate after their unprofessional showing last week. To keep Seth busy, he's giving him a match with an old friend. He makes Rollins vs Randy Orton for tonight. Before he gets to AJ Styles, AJ comes out. He asks what kind of punishment a match with the world champion is. Shane says that AJ's the only one that's being punished, as he was the instigator. Styles asks what he'll be doing tonight. Shane says AJ's going to be his assistant tonight, in the absence of Daniel Bryan. Styles gets excited at the prospect of being acting General Manager for one night, but Shane shoots him down before inviting him backstage to see what he'll be doing tonight.79% Rating

SegmentAfter his match, Dolph Ziggler grabs a microphone and starts going on about all the former NXT stars ruining Smackdown. He complains about being forced to try to take down three of them last week. Sami Zayn interrupts. He says Ziggler sounds like a grumpy old man. Dolph says he's not so old he can't beat some sense into the NXT losers. Zayn says Ziggler hasn't beaten anyone from NXT fairly and challenges him to a match at Backlash. Ziggler accepts.75% Rating

[The announcers hype Orton/Rollins and Lynch/Emma later tonight]

Tag Team MatchWomen's Champion Naomi and Charlotte Flair def. Alexa Bliss and Carmella [w/James Ellsworth] (7:16)After the match, Charlotte pats the title belt and motions that she'll have it next71% Rating

SegmentShane McMahon and AJ Styles are backstage, meeting with some VIP ticket holders. AJ is clearly not enjoying himself, but fakes a smile for the kids. Once they leave, he asks Shane if this is what they'll be doing the whole show. Shane tells him that this is what he and Daniel do when the rest of the roster is out wrestling, and that he's gotta keep AJ busy for two hours. AJ groans as the next group arrives.85% Rating

SegmentBray Wyatt comes to the ring alone. Bray says he showed Luke Harper what true fear is last week. He says he doesn't have to worry about Harper anymore, and can focus on taking what's his back from Randy Orton. Harper comes out to the stage. Bray summons plumes of smoke to bellow from the ramp. Harper looks at them for a moment before stepping through. He gets to the bottom of the ramp and the lights go out. When they come back on Erick Rowan is in front of him. They stare down before Harper calmly pushes him aside and enters the ring. Wyatt holds his hand out, once again momentarily hindering Harper, but Luke pushes it away and gets in Bray's face. Bray is shocked, and eventually leaves the ring with Rowan as Harper stands tall.77% Rating

6-Man Tag Team MatchBaron Corbin and Tag Team Champions The Usos def. Cesaro, Sheamus, and Apollo Crews (9:12)Sheamus gets a kayfabe knee injury early in the match, and the Usos take Crews off the apron before Cesaro is able to tag him, allowing Corbin to beat Cesaro76% Rating

[Lana and Rusev's video plays again. This time, the words "Next Week" appear in the corner of the screen.]

SegmentSeth Rollins is backstage with Renee Young. He says he doesn't mind being given something to do this week. He's looking forward to have a rematch with Randy Orton after so long. He says facing Orton reminds him of the greatest night of his life, and after beating Orton tonight, he plans on having many more of those great moments here on Smackdown, starting with beating AJ Styles at Backlash.81% Rating

Singles MatchBecky Lynch def. Emma (12:54)Emma looks a bit dejected after losing, but Becky helps her up and once again goes for a handshake. This time, Emma reluctantly accepts.77% Rating

SegmentMiz, Maryse, and Funaki - head wrapped in bandages - come to the ring. Miz calls Shinsuke Nakamura down to the ring. Shinsuke comes out, fully milking his entrance. Miz demands Nakamura apologize to Funaki for attacking him last week. Nak looks at Funaki, who cowers in fear at him. Nakamura grabs the mic, and after stalling for a while, says he's sorry...he's sorry that he's going to do the same thing to Miz at Backlash. Nakamura leaves and Miz is fuming.85% Rating

Singles MatchWWE Champion Randy Orton def. Seth Rollins by disqualification (11:08)Orton looks like he's setting up for an RKO, but the lights go out. When they come back on, Bray Wyatt is in the ring and gives him Sister Abigail. Wyatt stands over Orton until Rollins comes back to and grabs him, trying to hit the Kingslayer. The lights go out again, and when they come back on, Wyatt is gone, but AJ Styles is on the apron. He attempts a Phenomenal Forearm, but Rollins avoids it and hits him with the Kingslayer.86% Rating

Opening SegmentShane McMahon and Daniel Bryan come out. Shane welcomes Bryan back to Smackdown. Daniel says he's now a proud father. He starts making dad jokes. Shane stops him and asks what he thinks about what happened last week. (Shane: I'm disappointed in AJ Styles. DB: Hi Disappointed, I'm Dad!) Daniel says it's pointless to keep AJ and Seth separated at this point, and thinks that they should just let the two fight. He makes a six-man tag team match tonight. Styles and the Wyatt Family vs Rollins, Luke Harper and Randy Orton. Shane also announces that the two competitors in Sunday's Women's Title match will be competing tonight against separate opponents.84% Rating

SegmentEmma is backstage. She says she's disappointed in herself. She let herself down. She says Becky Lynch taught her a lesson, that she isn't as good as she thought she was. But that's ok, because a hungry Emma is a dangerous Emma. She's says she's gonna work her ass off to become the best female wrestler on Smackdown, no matter how long that takes. She thanks Becky, and wishes her good luck in her match tonight, but warns her that soon enough, Smackdown will definitely be all about Emma.74% Rating

Singles MatchTye Dillinger def. Viktor [w/Konnor] (3:56)70% Rating

[A shortened version of Lana and Rusev's video plays. It brings attention to the fact that something will happen regarding them tonight.]

SegmentThe Usos come down to the ring. They say they have some bad news. Jimmy say he heard a rumor that Sheamus might not be cleared to compete at Backlash, so their match may have to be cancelled. Jey says they're starting to gain a reputation as a team that shouldn't be messed with after injuring both Chad Gable and now Sheamus. Jimmy says that's a good thing, because teams should know not to mess with the Usos. Cesaro comes out with a piece of paper. He says he has some news, but before he can continue, Sheamus limps out in a knee brace. The Usos start making fun of Sheamus, but Cesaro stops them. He says he received the news...that Sheamus is cleared to compete at Backlash. Sheamus rips off the brace and they run to the ring, causing the Usos to flee.74% Rating

Singles MatchDolph Ziggler def. Apollo Crews (9:43)Baron Corbin comes down the ramp to distract Crews, but Sami Zayn runs up behind him and attacks. The distraction works well enough, though, as Dolph hits a Zig Zag from behind for the win.81% Rating

SegmentShane and Daniel are in their office when Miz and Maryse come in. Miz says Shinsuke Nakamura is a loose cannon and he doesn't feel safe facing him at Backlash. He says Shinsuke assaulted Funaki without provocation two weeks ago and showed no remorse for it. Bryan says Miz is full of it and is just scared of being embarrassed at Backlash. Miz gets pissed and gets in Daniel's face, and Shane/Maryse have to hold him back. Nakamura walks in and comes face to face with Miz. He raises his hand and Miz flinches hard. Nak just waves at him and says "See you at Backlash" before leaving. Shane and Daniel shake their heads and leave as well. Miz is furious.81% Rating

[The announcers run through the card of Backlash, as well as hyping up tonight's last two matches]

Singles MatchCharlotte Flair def. Becky Lynch (8:31)Alexa Bliss comes down to distract Charlotte, but ends up distracting Becky instead, as Charlotte rolls her up for the win.Alexa gets in the ring and Charlotte runs away, leaving her to deal with Becky, who hits her with a Bexploder as revenge.78% Rating

SegmentRenee Young interviews AJ Styles about his match with Seth Rollins on Sunday. AJ says Seth talked a few weeks ago about having the last skirmish before the war. He says tonight feels like a similar situation, but tells Rollins that the war has already begun, and tonight will be the Battle of [City Name Here]. He says that if Seth really wants to give the fans what they want, he'll be careful tonight, because he might end up not making it to Backlash.86% Rating

SegmentLana comes out to the ramp with a chair. She does a dance; it's really hot. Once she's done Rusev's music hits and he comes out with a microphone. He tells the people to enjoy his wife's performances, but to just remember that they will never have her, or someone like her. Lana is all his, and he wants to make sure the world knows that. He says he is proud to have the most beautiful wife in the world, and says the Super-Athlete is going to make his wife proud as well, by running rampant through the Smackdown roster...FOREVER!80% Rating

6-Man Tag Team MatchSeth Rollins, Luke Harper, and WWE Champion Randy Orton def. AJ Styles, Bray Wyatt, and Erick Rowan (17:12)Orton doesn't get along well with Seth and Luke throughout the match, but they coexist well enough for Rollins to get the pin on Rowan.After the match, Orton and Harper have a staredown in the middle of the ring as Seth looks on.83% Rating

Singles MatchRusev [w/Lana] def. Tye Dillinger (9:52)Lana gets up on the apron and dances around seductively several times during the match, the last of which is enough to distract Dillinger enough to cost him the match73% Rating

Opening SegmentRandy Orton comes to the ring with the WWE Championship. He says that he hopes he finally washed his hands of this Wyatt business at Backlash. He says his feud with Bray has been a very important chapter in his career, but he's happy it's over, so he can focus on being the WWE Champion. AJ Styles comes out. He says Orton better be focusing on the championship, because the Face that Runs the Place is coming for what's rightfully his. After the showing he put on against Seth Rollins, he says that it's clear that he's the top contender. Before Randy can respond to his challenge, Daniel Bryan comes out and says that AJ is absolutely right. He also believes that AJ is the #1 contender, and announces Orton vs Styles for the title at Money in the Bank.83% Rating

SegmentBaron Corbin comes out to the ring. He says that Apollo Crews embarrassed himself at Backlash. He says there's no point in defending the Intercontinental Championship against losers like him. He says he wants to compete in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Sami Zayn comes out and tells him not so fast. Sami says he wants another shot at Corbin, to try to earn another IC title shot. Shane McMahon comes out and says they'll both get their wish tonight. He announces that there will be 6 Money in the Bank qualifiers on Smackdown between this week and next, and that one of the three qualifiers tonight will be Corbin vs Zayn.76% Rating

Singles Match | Money in the Bank QualifierRusev [w/Lana] def. Mojo Rawley (8:22)Lana interferes in this match, similarly to how she did on the PPV pre-show68% Rating

SegmentSeth Rollins is backstage. He starts talking about how Backlash was one of the toughest nights of his life. He says it's a major setback that he lost to AJ Styles, but next week, he'll be on his way to working his way back into WWE title contention, and it all starts with the Money in the Bank Ladder match, something Rollins is very familiar with. At this point he is interrupted by The Miz. Miz says that what he's hearing makes him sick. He says he knows that Rollins is a dastardly villain just like Miz is, and hearing him pander to the fans and talk about hard work is sickening. He says he knows Rollins would rather get what he wants by cheating, just like he has his whole career. Seth says it's never too late for someone to turn over a new leaf, and Miz'll see that next week, at Money in the Bank, and when he cashes in the contract to become WWE champion again.86% Rating

SegmentBecky Lynch is interviewed in the ring after her victory. She is asked about her thoughts on the actions of Charlotte Flair at Backlash. Becky says it's no secret that she and Charlotte are good friends. She says she knows Charlotte, and she knows the lengths she's willing to go for the sake of championships, but she's still a little saddened by her decision to cheat to win this past Sunday. Charlotte comes out and tells Becky to lighten up. She says if Becky knows so well what she's willing to do then she shouldn't be surprised by this. Naomi comes out and nearly takes Charlotte's head off. Charlotte retreats to the ring and hides behind Becky. Naomi challenges her to a rematch next week. Charlotte accepts, and Becky says she hopes to see what Charlotte can do in a fair title match.75% Rating

SegmentShinsuke Nakamura is interviewed backstage. He says he's very satisfied with how his PPV debut went, but warns that this is just the beginning, and it won't be long before he makes Smackdown his work of art. He says he has a Money in the Bank qualifying match next week, and that he's looking forward to seeing how his style translates to the MitB environment. He's asked what his strategy would be in a ladder match, to which he answers that it's very easy to climb a ladder after he knees everyone in the face.79% Rating

Singles Match | Money in the Bank QualifierIntercontinental Champion Baron Corbin def. Sami Zayn (14:09)Corbin wins after a rake of the eyes after it looks like Sami was gonna win.81% Rating

Opening SegmentThe Miz and Maryse come out to open the show. Miz says he was lucky to get matched up against Seth Rollins in his MitB qualifier tonight. He says it's lucky because he'll get to remind everyone what kind of person Rollins really is. He says Seth is an asshole, just like Miz is, and says the fans seem to be forgetting that. He then corrects himself and says Rollins is a bigger asshole than he is. Rollins comes out and tells Miz to say that to his face. Miz tells Seth not to come down to the ring. Seth asks why, and says Maryse is just going to step in between them anyway. Miz says he saw what Seth did to Stephanie McMahon at Wrestlemania, and doesn't want him anywhere near his wife. Seth calls them both cowards, and Miz says we'll see who the real coward is in the match tonight.89% Rating

SegmentAfter Nakamura leaves, Rowan and Wyatt remain in the ring. Rowan seems to be apologizing to Bray, who simply stands shaking his head. Before he can do anything, however, Luke Harper's music hits, and he comes out. Harper says he's tired of Bray ruining his life. He ruined his life by making him join the Wyatt Family all those years ago, and just as he's starting to get back on track, he ruins the MitB qualifier last week. Bray says Harper's life was nothing before he joined the Wyatt Family, and he only got that opportunity because of Bray. Wyatt says he wants to prove that Luke is still nothing. Harper says they should settle this at Money in the Bank, and challenges him to a Street Fight. Bray accepts.83% Rating

SegmentSami Zayn is backstage. He says people like Baron Corbin disgust him, and that it's an embarrassment to the Intercontinental Championship that the champion has to resort to those means to win matches. He says he lives life one step at a time, and that he's found a new short-term goal in life. He says for the time being, his goal is to find a way to take the title away from Corbin as soon as he can.74% Rating

SegmentDolph Ziggler comes out for his Money in the Bank Qualifying match. He says that as a former MitB winner, he has a distinct advantage over all the NXT losers, and that it's only academic that he'll win his second briefcase. He says he hopes his opponent tonight is from NXT so he can teach them a lesson, and asks them to hurry it up and get out there.....but Shelton Benjamin's music hits and he makes his long-awaited return to WWE as Ziggler's opponent tonight! Dolph is shocked as Shelton makes his way down the ramp.77% Rating

Singles Match | Money in the Bank QualifierDolph Ziggler def. Shelton Benjamin (7:33)Shelton dominates the match, but Dolph gets a roll-up with his feet on the ropes to steal the win.81% Rating

SegmentRenee Young is backstage with Rusev and Lana. She asks what they think of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Lana says her husband deserves a championship match whenever he wants, and it's unfortunate that this match is the only way that Rusev can obtain that right. However, she says that climbing a ladder is a simple task for the Super Athlete, and she looks forward to seeing him decimate the competition. Rusev says that Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan underestimated him when they put him in this match instead of simply granting him a title shot, but he will teach them a lesson when he steamrolls all five of his opponents and wins the Money in the Bank contract.78% Rating

SegmentAJ Styles comes to the ring. He says there's only 3 more weeks before the Face that Runs the Place is champion once again. He says he spent his Memorial Day weekend training and game-planning for the championship match at Money in the Bank. Meanwhile Randy Orton was playing around in the pool with his kids. He says that if he was Orton, he'd be afraid that the best wrestler in the world was coming for his title. Randy comes out and tells AJ that he knows nothing of fear. After his experiences with Bray Wyatt, there isn't much he fears anymore, and assures Styles he'll be ready at Money in the Bank. AJ says that fear of a nutjob like Bray is very different than the fear he'll feel when his face is about to hit the canvas from a Styles Clash and he knows he's about to lose his title. Randy gets right in AJ's face and calmly tells him they both know that's not going to happen. AJ backs off a bit and tells Randy he's a hard one to read. Orton says he prides himself on being unpredictable...and immediately RKOs Styles before standing over him with the title belt in the air.88% Rating

Singles Match | Money in the Bank QualifierSeth Rollins vs The Miz [w/Maryse] went to a double countout (15:45)Seth hit the Kingslayer on the outside at the count of 5, but Maryse got in his way and prevented him from getting back in the ring, as Rollins didn't want to push her down. Miz recovered enough to grab his leg at 8 and keep him outside until he was counted out.After the match, Miz attacks Rollins again and they start brawling. Seth seems to gain the upper hand before security runs in to break them up.86% Rating

Opening SegmentDaniel Bryan comes out. He says that the draw in the last qualifying match next week has thrown a wrench into the plans. He says that they have to find a way to get a sixth participant in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, and says he's considering giving some certain Superstars a second chance. Seth Rollins comes out. He tells Daniel he doesn't want another qualifying match, and instead requests a singles match against The Miz at Money in the Bank. Miz comes out and tells Bryan that Seth doesn't speak for him and that he will take the rematch tonight. Daniel tells them they weren't who he was talking about. He says they were both counted out, and because of that they both lost. He announces a Second Chance Qualifier Fatal Four Way for tonight's main event, between Shelton Benjamin, Mojo Rawley, Erick Rowan, and Sami Zayn. He then says Seth's idea was a good one, and makes Rollins vs Miz for the PPV.84% Rating

Tag Team MatchAmerican Alpha def. The Usos (9:14)79% Rating

SegmentEmma is backstage warming up for her match tonight when Carmella and James Ellsworth walk up. Carmella says it's a good thing Emma realized that she's not all she's cracked up to be when she did, cause it'll soften the blow of the beating she's going to receive tonight a little bit. Emma reminds her that they faced each other back in April, and that Emma won that match pretty convincingly. She says she plans on doing the same tonight. Ellsworth tries to stick up for Carmella and starts talking trash to Emma, but she gets face to face with him and he immediately backs down and cowers behind Carmella. Emma turns to her and simply asks "Why?" before leaving.76% Rating

[A small review segment shows the end of the Rollins/Miz match last week, and Daniel Bryan making the match between them for MitB]

SegmentTyler Breeze and Fandango come to the ring. They say they have some issues to discuss with their opponents at MitB, and call Sheamus and Cesaro down to the ring. The champions come out, and Breezango starts by telling them that they are a fashion disaster. They say that suit coats and kilts clash harder than a fur coat and a bedazzled stormtrooper helmet or one-legged tights (this may or may not have gotten a "We Want Ryder" chant). Breeze says that the champions should take some notes from them, and strut around in their fashion police outfits. Sheamus tells them that he'd rather not look like a male stripper. Fandango says that all they're saying is that the champs need to learn to accessorize, to which Cesaro responds that the only accessories they need are the tag team title belts. Fandango says they need to find some more accessories, because Breezango are taking those belts in two weeks. Tyler says that they look so much better in blue. Sheamus says he's had enough of this nonsense and goes to attack, but Breezango quickly escape and retreat up the ramp.75% Rating

Singles MatchEmma def. Carmella [w/James Ellsworth] (5:22)Ellsworth tries to interfere, but Emma ends up kicking him in his lack of a chin off the apron and rolls up Carmella to win.Carmella attacks Emma in revenge after the match while Ellsworth aggressively cheers her on.66% Rating

SegmentAJ Styles is interviewed backstage. He says Randy Orton pulled a cowardly move last week by attacking him, but says he's going to try not to retaliate. He says he wants to be the bigger man about this, and that he's gonna let his wrestling do the talking at Money in the Bank, where he will win the WWE Championship. Speaking of which, he also says he's going to let his wrestling do the talking tonight, and turns his attention to his opponent tonight, Tye Dillinger. He says if Tye is a Perfect 10, then AJ Styles is an 11, and says tonight he'll show the new guy that Smackdown is the House that AJ Styles Built.92% Rating

SegmentBecky Lynch comes to the ring. She says she's very confused. She says she knows that Charlotte Flair will go to some strange measures to keep a title, but she never would have expected her to ask Alexa Bliss for help in the title match last week, nor did she expect Alexa to agree to it, seeing as they don't like each other much. Alexa comes out and tells her that there's no conspiracy; she didn't help Charlotte win because she liked her, she just wanted a title match against her, and was trying to get Naomi out of the title picture so that she'd be next. She calls out Charlotte and asks for a title match at Money in the Bank. Charlotte comes out and says she thinks it's cute that Alexa thinks she'll get a title match from helping her win. She declines the challenge and then offers Becky a title match because they're friends. Becky says she's not sure she wants a title match with Alexa running around interfering in them. Shane McMahon comes out and says there's many ways to make sure Alexa doesn't interfere, but the easiest is to just put her in the match, and he makes Becky vs Alexa vs Charlotte for the title at Money in the Bank.79% Rating

Singles Match | Randy Orton on commentaryAJ Styles def. Tye Dillinger (8:56)AJ trash talks at Randy the entire match, but manages to keep focused enough to win.After the match, he trash talks some more, and Orton ends up getting in the ring and staring him down. Styles backs off and turns around, reiterating that he wants to be the bigger man, but Randy spins him back around and once again RKOs him.77% Rating

SegmentRenee Young is backstage with Shelton Benjamin. She asks him how it feels to be back after all these years, but before he can say much on the subject, Bray Wyatt barges in. He grabs the microphone, saying he needs it, and stares Shelton off the screen. He says it's just like Luke Harper to not be here tonight. He makes the challenge last week and now when he's needed the most he's nowhere to be found. Bray says he sees through Harper; he may not show it, but he is afraid. He tells Harper he will mentally and physically destroy him at Money in the Bank, and that if Luke were smart, he'd just stay away. He tosses the mic back to Renee, who awkwardly goes to continue interviewing Shelton, but he says it's time for the match and he has to go.79% Rating

Fatal 4-Way Match | Money in the Bank QualifierSami Zayn def. Mojo Rawley, Erick Rowan, and Shelton Benjamin (11:18)Sami pins RowanAs Sami is celebrating, Baron Corbin comes out of the crowd with a chair and slides into the ring. He sets up to hit Zayn with it, but Shinsuke Nakamura's music hits and he runs in for the save. They brawn with Corbin for a bit, but Dolph Ziggler comes down to get some cheap shots in. However, Shelton and Mojo come back in and drive him off, and the faces stand tall as the show ends.74% Rating

Opening SegmentSami Zayn comes to the ring. He says he's very grateful to be given a second chance to enter the MitB Ladder Match, and he's going to try to use this opportunity well. True to his word two weeks ago, he says that if he wins, he's going to use the contract not to challenge for the WWE title, but to take the Intercontinental title away from Baron Corbin, maybe even as soon as the match ends on Sunday. The Miz comes out. He expresses shock over the fact that THIS is who's replacing him in the ladder match, and calls Sami a fool for not wanting to go after the world title. Sami says his convictions are firm, and his goal right now is to win the IC title. Baron Corbin comes out. He says this information may be problematic for him, and that he'll have to make sure Sami doesn't make it to the PPV. Miz offers to help, but Daniel Bryan comes out and has other ideas. He makes a six-man tag team match between the MitB participants tonight. Miz asks what he'll be doing tonight, and Bryan says he'll have a match too. He thinks for a moment, and then announces Miz's opponent to be Sheamus.81% Rating

SegmentAmerican Alpha are backstage, talking to each other about getting back on track. They say last weeks victory was a good first step, but they have to keep the train going if they're gonna be champions again. The Usos walk up and tell them to keep dreaming. They say Alpha's victory last week was a total fluke, and tell them to remember who took their titles in the first place.75% Rating

[A recap is shown of Shelton Benjamin's interview last week that was interrupted by Bray Wyatt.]

Singles MatchSami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Apollo Crews are backstage. Sami thanks Nakamura for helping him out last week, and wishes them both luck with the match on Sunday. Apollo says they shouldn't think about Sunday just yet, and should focus on working together in the match tonight. Sami agrees, and begins discussing strategy in his usual geeky way. Apollo immediately regrets his decision. After a while, Nakamura stops him and assures him that with enthusiasm like that, they should be fine tonight. He wishes that the best man wins on Sunday, because he plans to. Nakamura leaves, and Sami asks Apollo if he said something wrong. Crews just shakes his head.73% Rating

Singles MatchSmackdown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair def. Naomi (3:56)Charlotte showboats a bit after winning, sticking her foot on Naomi's face while raising the title in the air.69% Rating

[The announcers hype the fact that Randy Orton is going to address the WWE Universe ahead of his title defense on Sunday later in the show.]

SegmentRenee Young interviews Breezango backstage. They say it's too late to save Cesaro and Sheamus from the fashion disasters that they are, and that they only thing they can do is to save those great accessories they have from a cruel fate. Of course, the accessories they're talking about are the title belts. They say that once they're champions, they'll prove that they are both the best and most fashionable tag team in WWE history.73% Rating

SegmentSeth Rollins is walking backstage to the Gorilla Position. He says he's going to prove his intentions at Money in the Bank when he beats Miz fair and square, and that he's coming out to ringside just to get a different angle on one of Miz's matches.80% Rating

Singles Match | Seth Rollins on commentarySmackdown Tag Team Champion Sheamus [w/Cesaro] def. The Miz [w/Maryse] (11:46)Interference by Maryse allows Miz to connect with a low blow, but Rollins comes over from commentary and picks Maryse up, carrying her over to Cesaro who takes her to the back. This distracts Miz enough for Sheamus to recover and kick his face off to win.83% Rating

Closing SegmentRandy Orton comes to the ring. He says he's proved a point to AJ Styles. He's as ready as he needs to be for Sunday, because now he's in AJ's head. He says Styles has talked about being the bigger man, but now he knows all AJ wants to do is get revenge, and he'll lose sight of the WWE Championship to get it. Styles comes out. He says he does want to beat the crap out of Randy right now, but he's going to save it for Sunday because he wants the title. Randy asks if AJ knows that he could RKO him again right now. AJ says he knows, and he's ready for it. Randy fakes like he's going to RKO him, but AJ doesn't flinch. Randy laughs and starts to talk again, but AJ attacks him from behind. He beats Orton down and hits a Styles Clash on him before draping the title over his face and stomping on it.91% Rating

Opening SegmentShane McMahon comes out. He says that we have a new WWE Champion, and wants to bring him out to congratulate him. AJ Styles walks down to the ring and parades the title around. Shane congratulates him on winning this one cleanly, unlike last time. AJ gives him a stink eye, but says it's only natural that he'd beat Randy Orton. Shane says that they still need to be absolutely sure of that, and says that Orton will be exercising his rematch clause at Battleground in 4 weeks. AJ says that's fine with him. Shane changes the subject, saying that Summerslam is coming up soon, and regardless of whether AJ or Orton is the champion by then, they need to determine a worthwhile challenger for the title. They have one in MitB winner Shinsuke Nakamura, but his title shot is whenever he wants, so Shane says they need a way to find a challenger for Summerslam. He says he and Daniel Bryan have decided to bring back an old summer tradition, one that Shane himself knows very well, and announces that Battleground will also feature the last two rounds of the 2017 King of the Ring tournament, with every male wrestler on Smackdown (aside from AJ and Orton) competing, and first round matches start tonight.85% Rating

SegmentAmerican Alpha are backstage. It seems like Jason Jordan is warming up for a King of the Ring match and Chad Gable is hyping him up. Gable says their plans of reascending the tag division have to wait, but they have a golden opportunity to show the whole roster what they're capable of in the tournament. Jordan says once everyone sees what they can do on their own, they'll be taken even more seriously as a team.79% Rating

SegmentBecky Lynch comes to the ring with her newly-won Smackdown Women's Title. She thanks the fans for supporting her as she chased her second title. However, she is interrupted by Charlotte Flair, who claims to want to come out and celebrate with her friend. Her charade doesn't last long, as she quickly demands a rematch, justifying it by saying she wasn't involved in the decision to lose her title. Becky tells her not to worry, as she has no problems giving her a rematch, but Naomi comes out and says she wants a title match as well, as her last title rematch against Charlotte was ruined by Alexa Bliss several weeks ago. Becky says she's ok with giving them both a title match, but it quickly becomes clear that Charlotte and Naomi clearly can't agree on who gets first dibs. Daniel Bryan comes out, and says they'll have to decide that with a #1 contender's match, right now.83% Rating

Smackdown Women's Championship #1 Contender's Match | Becky Lynch on commentaryCharlotte Flair vs Naomi went to a double disqualification (9:53)Charlotte ends up grabbing the belt from Becky during the match, and both she and Naomi end up shoving the ref while in a tug of war over it.Bryan comes out again, and says that since the match was a draw, they'll have to have another Triple Threat match for the title at Battleground.75% Rating

SegmentAJ Styles is backstage with the WWE Championship. He says he's learned that Randy Orton isn't even here tonight. He says Orton's finally realized his fears, and that he can't beat the Face that Runs the Place. Not even mind games could help him, and if Randy wants, he can just stay away for a while, forget about Battleground, and spend some more time with his family. He says that the Champ that Runs the Camp is back, and he's gonna run this brand all the way to Summerslam and beyond, regardless of who wins King of the Ring.86% Rating

Singles Match | King of the Ring First Round MatchBray Wyatt [w/Erick Rowan] def. Jason Jordan [w/Chad Gable] (11:42)Jordan puts up a much better fight than expected, including Bray needing two Sister Abigails to put him away80% Rating

SegmentRenee Young interviews Shinsuke Nakamura backstage. She congratulates him on winning Money in the Bank and asks if he has any plans regarding when he will cash it in. He says he'll only do it when the time is right, and provides no further clues on the matter. Before Renee can ask any more questions, the interview is interrupted by Rusev, who starts yelling incoherently at Nakamura. By the time he starts making sense, he seems to be saying that he should have the Money in the Bank contract, and that the Super-Athlete is unstoppable. Nakamura calmly says that if Rusev was unstoppable, why did he stop him on Sunday? Rusev seemingly curses him out in Bulgarian and storms off, leaving Nakamura to smile slyly into the camera.76% Rating

Singles Match | King of the Ring First Round MatchLuke Harper def. Intercontinental Champion Baron Corbin (8:17)After the match, Corbin gets pissed and freaks out a little. He almost punches the referee as he hands him his title back, and throws the belt at the turnbuckle in anger.85% Rating

SegmentDolph Ziggler is backstage. He says it's another Smackdown, and another week he has to face an NXT loser. He corrects himself, saying he admits that Seth Rollins is a cut above the others, but he's still nothing compared to The Show Off. He says he plans on main eventing SummerSlam, just like last year, and that the only way to do that is to become the King of the Ring.77% Rating

Singles Match | King of the Ring First Round MatchSeth Rollins def. Dolph Ziggler (12:29)At various points during the match, we get a few cutaways to other Superstars watching this match backstage, the likes of Sami Zayn, Bray Wyatt, and finally The Miz and Maryse.87% Rating

Opening SegmentAJ Styles comes to the ring. He says it seems Randy Orton took his advice, because he hasn't seen him this week. He says Randy is scared that AJ will embarrass him again, and that he may need to request a new opponent at Battleground. Shelton Benjamin's music hits and he comes out. Shelton says that AJ reminds him of someone. He says that back in his first run with WWE, there was a champion that came out every week and talk about how much better he was than his opponents, and how assured his victories were, then when it came to actually defending his title he'd claw and scrape and cheat and barely get by. Styles tells him to get to the point, and Benjamin tells him that he reminds him of Randy Orton 10 years ago. AJ is irate and yells that he'll have to teach Shelton a lesson. Shelton says he was going to be in the King of the Ring tournament, but saw that his match tonight was a 10-man battle royal and didn't like his chances. Instead he decided to come out here and challenge Styles to a WWE Championship match tonight. AJ says he's on, and vows to prove he's way better than Orton ever was.82% Rating

Singles Match | King of the Ring First Round MatchRusev [w/Lana] def. Chad Gable [w/Jason Jordan] (9:49)Gable gives Rusev quite a fight, just as Jordan did to Bray Wyatt last week. Lana ends up getting ejected, and Rusev has to take advantage of a high risk move to put Gable away.77% Rating

SegmentBray Wyatt is backstage. He says the King of the Ring tournament is an unfitting name. He is the god of the ring, and nothing can stand in his way. He says he hopes Randy Orton wins the title back at Battleground, so he can finally take what's his back from the traitor, but he has no problem showing his power to AJ Styles once again either.79% Rating

SegmentRenee Young is backstage with Baron Corbin. She tries to ask Corbin about his loss to Luke Harper last week but he tells her to shut up. He says what happened last week is unacceptable, and that consequences will be paid...and soon.73% Rating

Singles Match | Charlotte Flair and Naomi on commentarySmackdown Women's Champion Becky Lynch vs Carmella went to a no-contest (4:21)Charlotte and Naomi end up quickly getting into a fight at the announce table, and Becky leaves the ring to break it up. As she gets there, Charlotte ends up inadvertently elbowing her in the face. As Charlotte checks if she's ok, Naomi attacks her again, and as they brawl, Carmella come back and attacks Becky again, and Alexa Bliss ends up coming out and attacking her too.70% Rating

SegmentAfter commercial, all five women have been brought to Daniel Bryan's office. Bryan, in true dad form, tells them that he's very disappointed in Charlotte, Naomi, and Alexa. He tells Charlotte and Naomi to stay away from each other for the next two weeks. Carmella says she wants another match against Becky, but Alexa says she wants one first, to prove that she's the rightful champion. Daniel says they're such a handful, and tells them they'll both get a match against Lynch next week. He makes a tag team match, and tells Becky she can face the two of them with a partner of her choosing. Charlotte immediately volunteers to be Becky's partner, but Naomi disagrees, saying Becky should choose someone she can trust to not hit her in the face when she tries to help. They both try to plead their cases to her, but Becky tells them both to stop, saying she'll think about them and choose her partner next week.84% Rating

SegmentSeth Rollins sees the updated bracket on a TV backstage. He comments on his potential future opponents, saying it'll be a rough road for him, but tells himself to focus on Cesaro; he can beat Cesaro. Sheamus and Cesaro walk up behind him. Cesaro jokes about Seth's last comment and they shake hands, with Cesaro noting that they've had their battles in the past. Seth wishes them both luck next week, but Sheamus takes a little offense to that. He says they don't need any luck, and that he and Cesaro are going to meet in the finals, and they'll tear the house down. He walks off and Cesaro apologizes to Seth for the outburst, saying Sheamus is a little hot-headed.86% Rating

WWE ChampionshipAJ Styles (c) def. Shelton Benjamin (13:33)After the victory, AJ's music plays until the big pause, but instead of the rest of the song, Randy Orton's feedback intro plays instead and Voices starts up. Orton comes out, and Styles gets ready for a fight, but Randy ducks a punch as he enters the ring and immediately RKOs him.83% Rating

[There wasn't really anything special done for the holiday on this show. I guess all the stage graphics had flags on them or something]

Opening SegmentRandy Orton comes to the ring. He says he has no fear, and doesn't need it. The one thing he needs is the WWE title, and in two weeks he will get it back. AJ Styles comes out, and he clearly wants to fight. Before he gets to the ring, Shane McMahon comes out and tells him to stop. AJ begs him to make their match tonight, because he wants to tear Randy apart. Shane says he can't do that, the match is already set for Battleground. AJ says he doesn't care, and wants to fight Randy tonight. Shane thinks for a moment, then decides he can move one of the King of the Ring quarterfinals to next week. He makes Styles vs Orton in a non-title No Disqualification Match tonight.83% Rating

Singles Match | King of the Ring QuarterfinalThe Miz [w/Maryse] def. Luke Harper (8:56)Baron Corbin runs in and costs Harper the win.After the match, Corbin continues attacking Harper and hits him with a Deep Six and an End of Days.79% Rating

SegmentBecky Lynch is walking backstage. Charlotte Flair and Naomi both come up to her, asking which one of them she picked to be her partner tonight. Becky says that she didn't pick either of them, and that she's had someone else in mind since last week. On cue, Emma walks into the shot and asks Becky if she's ready. Charlotte is appalled, asking why on Earth Becky would pick someone like Emma over her. Becky says she just wants someone she knows she can trust for this match, and that she's impressed with how much Emma's attitude has changed over the past couple months. Charlotte asks if Becky doesn't trust her. Becky says that right now, she doesn't, and she and Emma walk off.73% Rating

Tag Team MatchSmackdown Women's Champion Becky Lynch and Emma def. Alexa Bliss and Carmella [w/James Ellsworth] (7:09)Becky beats Carmella.After the match, Charlotte Flair comes out from the crowd with a chair and begins to assault Becky. Emma confronts her about this and Charlotte attacks her too.72% Rating

SegmentRenee Young is backstage trying to interview Baron Corbin. He repeatedly tells her to get out of his face as he's trying to leave the building. As they go on he gets more and more pissed at her. Eventually he gets to his car and drives off after yelling at her to shut the hell up.74% Rating

SegmentSami Zayn walks into the shot behind Renee. He says it's a damn shame. It's brings shame to the Intercontinental Championship to have a champion that does things like that. He says that his quarterfinal match has been delayed until next week, but whether it be Rusev, or whoever he faces down the line, he has to win. He says that America is the land of the free, and if he becomes King of the Ring, he'll have the freedom to forgo a WWE Championship match to challenge Corbin for his title at Summerslam instead.78% Rating

Singles Match | King of the Ring QuarterfinalSeth Rollins def. Smackdown Tag Team Champion Cesaro [w/Sheamus] (12:14)After the match, Rollins offers Cesaro a handshake. Sheamus doesn't want him to accept it, but Cesaro waves him off and accepts it.84% Rating

SegmentAfter commercial, Cesaro is icing himself backstage. Sheamus expresses disappointment that they won't be able to meet in the finals. Cesaro tells him that it's not a big deal, and that as a former King of the Ring winner, Sheamus has a much better chance in the tournament anyway. He tells his partner to hurry up and get out there for his match, and that he'll be at Ringside in a few minutes.74% Rating

Singles Match | King of the Ring QuarterfinalBray Wyatt def. Smackdown Tag Team Champion Sheamus [w/Cesaro] (8:29)Sheamus gets pissed after the match and starts pounding the mat, but Cesaro get into the ring and calms him down, telling him it's not the end of the world, and that they still have the tag team titles. Eventually he gets his partner to settle down, and they leave.78% Rating

SegmentRenee Young is backstage with Shinsuke Nakamura, still visibly shaken from being verbally assaulted by Baron Corbin earlier. She quietly asks Nakamura what his plans are now after being eliminated from the King of the Ring tournament, but before he can answer, he is once again interrupted by Rusev. Rusev laughs at Nakamura, saying that the fact that he is in the tournament and Shinsuke is not proves that the Super-Athlete is better than him. Nak says his logic is terrible, and that the only way to prove that is in a one-on-one match. He challenges Rusev to a match. Rusev says he would accept, but that he's still in the King of the Ring tournament and his Quarterfinal match is next week. He says that if he loses to Sami Zayn next week, then he'll definitely be ok with a match with Nakamura at Battleground, but that there's no way that'll happen.79% Rating

No Disqualification MatchRandy Orton def. WWE Champion AJ Styles (13:51)After the match, Orton takes the title and holds it in the air before once again draping it over AJ's face.88% RatingMeltzer: ****

Show Rating: 79%Viewership: 2,850,000

Confirmed Matches for Battleground

WWE ChampionshipAJ Styles (c) vs Randy Orton

King of the Ring Finals[Seth Rollins or The Miz] vs [Bray Wyatt or Rusev or Sami Zayn]

[Fandango suffered a fairly bad concussion at the live event on July 2. He'll be out for several weeks.]

Smackdown Live | Rise Above Smarks Edition(Go Home Show to Battleground)July 11, 2017

Opening SegmentThe Miz comes down to the ring with Maryse. He says he's having a little Deja Vu. This Sunday will be the fourth time he's faced Seth Rollins in the past two months, and the second PPV in a row. He says that every time, that scoundrel has found some way to cheat Miz out of a victory. Maryse calls Seth a bully and tells him to stop picking on her poor husband. Seth comes out and says he's not going to dignify that with a response. He agrees that it's quite the coincidence that he and Miz have ended up facing each other in the semifinals after their recent history. He says that when you beat the same opponent several times, eventually you lose; that's why he has to make sure he doesn't get complacent and see Miz as an assumed victory. Miz says that's insulting and defamation of character. Seth says the matches don't lie, and what they say is that all Miz has done is take Seth out of the MitB match; he says he won't let him to the same in King of the Ring.86% Rating

[The announcers tell the audience that AJ Styles has requested time at the end of the show; apparently he has words for Randy Orton ahead of their title match at Battleground.]

Singles MatchShelton Benjamin def. Tyler Breeze (5:16)73% Rating

SegmentAJ Styles is taking his suitcase to the locker room, apparently a bit late to the show. He runs into Seth Rollins. Seth wishes AJ luck against Randy Orton this Sunday, saying that he'd much rather main event Summerslam with a rematch against him than Randy, and after last week, it looks like AJ may need it. AJ tells him to can it, but admits that Shane was right in the end, his first encounter with Seth was a great match, and he'd even call it fun. AJ says Seth can bet his ass he'll beat Orton this Sunday, and tells him he should worry about keeping up his end of the deal if he wants that rematch. Seth says he plans on it. AJ says it's ironic, the self-proclaimed Kingslayer trying to become the King of the Ring. Rollins says he doesn't see it that way. He calls Rusev the King of the Brutes, Sami Zayn the King of Underdogs, Bray Wyatt the King of Crazy, and Miz the King of Complaining; he's just the one that's going to slay them all. And when he's done, there's only one king left to slay. He points to the WWE Title belt, and says that's the WWE Champion before walking off.89% Rating

SegmentBecky Lynch and Naomi watch the aftermath of the last match backstage. Becky says that's why she didn't pick Charlotte as her partner last week. Naomi asks if she's really still friends with Charlotte after what happened last week. Becky says she doesn't think so at this point, and that Charlotte is a totally different person when championships are involved, but hopes that once this all blows over they can have a long talk and attempt to patch it up. Naomi says she wouldn't be able to forgive her, and that that mentality might cost Becky the title one day, perhaps even this Sunday. Becky laughs and says that's why she didn't pick Naomi as her partner either, reiterating that people change when titles are involved. Naomi says the only change she wants to make is from contender to champion, and warns Becky to watch her back this Sunday. Becky says she'll be sure to watch her Beck, and Naomi rolls her eyes and leaves.76% Rating

SegmentBaron Corbin comes to the ring. He says Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon have told him that if he interferes in any more King of the Ring matches, he'll be stripped of the Intercontinental Championship. He says that's unfortunate, and that he saw what Sami Zayn had to say after he left last week. He says he hopes Sami wins the tournament, so he can prove to that little runt what it really means to be Intercontinental Champion. Luke Harper comes out. Harper says Corbin has got some nerve costing him his match last week, and that he can't just do stuff like that when he gets mad at losing. Corbin says he doesn't get mad, he gets even. Harper says their definitions of even may be a bit different, but he thinks the same way, and plans to get even by taking the Intercontinental Championship at Battleground. Corbin says he'd like another chance to kick Harper's ass, and accepts the challenge.75% Rating

[The announcers hype the last King of the Ring quarterfinal, which will be our main event tonight.]

Tag Team MatchSmackdown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus def. American Alpha (15:22)As in their KotR matches, Alpha take the champions to the limit.88% RatingMeltzer: ****1/4

SegmentBray Wyatt is...wherever he does these videos. He has a big grin on his face. He turns around to reveal he's wearing a long red cloak and a crown of thorns. He starts walking, and after a while reaches what looks like a makeshift throne made from sticks and rocks. He sits on it, laughing, as an eerie mist fills the room. He says he has already claimed his throne, and Battleground will just be a formality. He says that Randy must reclaim his own throne this Sunday, so he can make things right...or maybe it will be AJ Styles's turn to feel the power of a god. Bray starts laughing maniacally as the mist begins to obscure the camera.90% Rating

Closing SegmentAJ Styles comes to the ring. He calmly calls out Randy Orton. Orton comes out, a smug smile on his face. AJ thanks Orton; he says he got his anger out of his system last week, and he says Randy taught him a lesson in their match last week. He says he knows what Randy's plan was, to make AJ so mad that he prioritizes wanting to hurt him over winning a match, and that's what happened last week. He says the plan failed, and he's completely focused on winning this Sunday. Randy says that that wasn't his plan at all, he just RKOs people for revenge, and AJ's funny when he's angry so he just kept attacking him. Styles chuckles and says Orton's a bad liar and that he should cut the charade. He extends his hand and says they both should focus on having a fair match on Sunday. Randy laughs and asks if AJ thinks he's stupid. He starts asking the fans if they really think AJ's gonna shake Randy's hand without attacking him, but Styles cuts to the chase and just kicks him in the groin anyway. He hits Orton in the face with the title belt for good measure, and holds it in the air to close the show.83% Rating

Show Rating: 82%Viewership: 2,805,000

Final Battleground Card

WWE ChampionshipAJ Styles (c) vs Randy Orton

King of the Ring Finals[Seth Rollins or The Miz] vs [Bray Wyatt or Sami Zayn]

Intercontinental ChampionshipBaron Corbin (c) def. Luke Harper (14:30)Corbin exposes a turnbuckle very early in the match, and is eventually able to take advantage of it to win the match.88% RatingMeltzer: ****

WWE ChampionshipAJ Styles (c) def. Randy Orton (21:10)The crowd is pretty firmly behind AJ during this match, and Randy gets visibly angry as it goes on.After the match, AJ begins to cut a promo in the ring, but is quickly interrupted by Shinsuke Nakamura. He starts to come down to the ring, apparently intending to cash in the MitB contract, but as he passes Orton on the ramp, Randy snaps and RKOs him, allowing AJ to escape through the crowd.92% RatingMeltzer: ****

Opening SegmentAJ Styles comes to the ring. He says it all comes back to this; AJ Styles vs Seth Rollins once again, this time for the WWE Championship. He says it's a shame that they had their first match back at Backlash, because if they hadn't there'd still be some doubt that Rollins would lose. Seth comes out. He asks AJ what's up. Styles says he was just explaining how Seth has no chance at Summerslam. Seth says that's a good one and asks AJ how his XBox is doing. AJ tells him not to change the subject. Seth says he knows they're going to be fighting by the end of the night, so why not make it fun. Bray Wyatt comes out. He calls them both fools and says he may have lost on Sunday but he knows that he is still a god of the ring, and wants to prove that Seth and AJ are nothing compared to him. Seth welcomes Bray to the upcoming fight and says a 3-way brawl is more fun. AJ starts to back down but Shane McMahon comes out. Shane says no such fight will be happening tonight, and that Seth should know what happened last time. He says he's going to give Seth and AJ separate matches. He says Bray will get his chance to face AJ in the main event tonight, and Seth will be competing right now, against Rusev.87% Rating

[After commercial, AJ is still at ringside with Lana, discussing something.]

Singles MatchRusev [w/Lana and WWE Champion AJ Styles] def. Seth Rollins (6:52)Lana distracts the referee as Seth looks like he's about to win. AJ breaks up the pin and hits a Pele Kick, allowing Rusev to roll Seth up for the victory.After the match, AJ continues attacking Rollins and attempts to Styles Clash him. However, Shelton Benjamin runs in for the save and AJ retreats.85% Rating

SegmentEmma is warming up backstage, with the announcers saying she has a match next. However, she is attacked from behind by Alexa Bliss, who repeatedly rams her head into the wall and leaves the Aussie battered and bruised on the floor.72% Rating

SegmentCarmella and James Ellsworth come to the ring. They say that it looks like Emma can't compete tonight, and that means Carmella doesn't have an opponent. Ellsworth says that it wouldn't be fair if his girlfriend (immediately corrected to friend by Carmella) can't show how f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s she is to the whole world tonight, and they make an open challenge to the entire Smackdown Women's division. This is answered by none other than the champion herself, and it looks like we'll be having Carmella vs Becky Lynch next.70% Rating

Singles MatchSmackdown Women's Champion Becky Lynch def. Carmella [w/James Ellsworth] (4:54)Immediately after Becky's victory, Charlotte Flair once again comes out of the crowd and attacks her with a chair. As she leaves after the attack, Charlotte can be heard repeating "You haven't beaten me Becky." over and over.71% Rating

SegmentAmerican Alpha come to the ring. They say they came incredibly close to beating the tag team champions last week. They say they think they deserve a title shot and call Cesaro and Sheamus out to the ring. The Usos come out instead and say that Alpha got a match with the champions and lost, so now it's their turn. Cesaro and Sheamus come out and tell the Usos that they don't get to decide that. Sheamus is a bit hesitant but Cesaro says they're down for a title match with Alpha. Then Shane McMahon comes out and says while they gave it a valiant effort last week, that's just not how title shots work. However, he says what he can do is make a #1 contenders match next week between American Alpha and The Usos.70% Rating

[The announcers show a replay of the opening match and hype the main event.]

Singles MatchLuke Harper def. The Miz [w/Maryse] (7:42)80% Rating

SegmentCharlotte Flair is walking somewhere backstage. She is stopped by Daniel Bryan, who asks her why she would do something like what she did earlier. He says the women's division has seemingly become complete chaos tonight, and that they can't have competitors needlessly injuring each other, especially the champion. Charlotte says it's ok, that she didn't mean to injury Becky in the slightest; she's just sending a message. Bryan says that's still not ok, and asks if Becky isn't Charlotte's friend. Charlotte asks "Is she?" and walks off.80% Rating

Singles MatchIntercontinental Champion Baron Corbin def. Tye Dillinger (10:19)Tye puts up a pretty good fight, and Corbin once again cheats to win.Corbin starts beating Dillinger down, and Sami Zayn shows up to try and make the save, but Corbin ends up beating him up too.74% Rating

SegmentRandy Orton comes out to the ring. He says he was told by several people to apologize for what he did on Sunday, but he doesn't see why he should. He asks if because of what he did, the people are getting what they want, right? Styles vs Rollins, that's what they wanted all along, right? The fans start chanting that they want Shinsuke. Randy says he doesn't care what the fans want, and that he did what he did because he wanted to. Nakamura comes out. He says what he wants is to bash Randy's skull in with his briefcase, but that he'll have a little self-control. He says Orton effectively stole the WWE championship from him at Battleground, and where he's from there's only one way to get back at someone for that. He challenges Orton to a match at Summerslam. Randy ponders for a moment, and says that if he beats Mr. Money in the Bank, that'll put him right back in the title picture. He asks the fans if that's what they want, and gets a chorus of "No!" chants. He says that's a good response and accepts the challenge.76% Rating

Singles MatchWWE Champion AJ Styles def. Bray Wyatt (16:01)After the match, Seth Rollins comes out of the crowd to attack AJ and, for the first time in 27 months, hits him with a Curb Stomp.89% Rating